WUt t miUHUMUiUHW Umti 



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FROM TH 




HARRIET L.KEELER 

AND 

LAURA H.WILD 






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Glass _ii£j4i- 
Book d54 



Copyright ]^° 



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COPYRIGHT DEPOSrr. 



ETHICAL READINGS FROM THE BIBLE 



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ETHICAL READINGS 
FROM THE BIBLE 



BY 

HARRIET L. KEELER, A.M., LL.D. 

FORMERLY OF THE CLEVELAND PUBLIC SCHOOLS 
AND 

LAURA H. WILD, B.D. 

PROFESSOR OF BIBLICAL HISTORY AND LITERATURE 
LAKE ERIE COLLEGE 



CHARLES SCRIBNER'S SONS 

NEW YORK CHICAGO BOSTON 



^ 






Copyright, 1915, by 
CHAELES SCRIBNER'S SONS 




Nn,V-51915 

0C1.-A4144O3 / 



PREFACE 

Many educators as well as parents feel that there is a 
distinct place in our schools for the ethical precepts of the 
Bible. They believe that our youth should be familiar with 
the terse and pungent proverbs, the simple and picturesque 
parables, and the sublime expressions of reverence which the 
Bible contains. This is true if it is only looked upon as great 
literature, but when we consider the fact that our highest 
moral and ethical standards as a modern civilized nation are 
largely derived from the Bible it seems obvious that our 
youth should become familiar with the outline of those 
ethical teachings. That this ancient classic puts those 
teachings so plainly that they need no comment will be quite 
apparent to any one reading the selections here gathered 
together. 

It is the purpose of this little book to supply a supplemen- 
tary reader which may be used as occasion offers. The 
passages interpret themselves and are the common ground 
upon which people of all phases of religious faith rest for 
their ethical ideals. It is hoped also that these selections 
may be used more widely than merely in our schools. There 
are many public occasions when words from the great seers 
of truth are a fitting prelude to the service of song or the 



vi PREFACE 

address of the hour, when the few moments of ^^ opening ex- 
ercises'' might be profitably directed toward some definite 
and practical ethical teaching. 

The text employed is in most cases that of the American 
Revised Version with the exception of the word "Lord'' for 
"Jehovah." In special selections where a recent or poetical 
translation seems to reveal the beauty of the passage more 
truly, such translations have been inserted. 



CONTENTS 

PAGE 

Reverence for the Creator 1 

The Song of the Psalmist 3 

Job and His Creator 6 

The Prophet's Trust in the Almighty 7 

The Lovingkindness of God 8 

Respect for Parents 9 

Wisdom 9 

Right Conduct in General 12 

MieaVs Rule of Life 14 

The Golden Rule 16 

The Two Great Commandments 18 

Conduct in Particular ^ 19 

Falsehood and Careless Speech 19 

Words that Make Mischief 21 

Words that Make for Happiness 22 

Hatred and Anger 22 

False Dealing 26 

Kindness and Generosity 27 

Brotherly Love 30 

The Beatitudes 32 

The Song of Human Affection 33 

Civic Righteousness 35 

A Ruler's Oath of Office 36 

A Citizen's Rule of Life 36 

vii 



viii CONTENTS 

PAGE 

Occupation and Industry 38 

The Field of the Lazy Man 40 

A Lesson from the Ant 40 

A Lesson from Little Creatures 42 

Poverty and Intemperance 44 

Personal Thinking 44 

The Importance of Right Thoughts 44 

A Spirit of Love and Confidence Rather than Fear ... 47 

Patience 47 

Contentment 47 

Cheerfulness 48 

Humility 49 

Courage 61 

Short Proverbs and Parables 52 

Stories and Longer Parables 55 

David and Goliath 55 

An Ancient Memorial Song: The Lament of David over 

Saul and Jonathan 59 

Isaiah's Vineyard Song 61 

The Sower 62 

The Lamp 63 

The Treasure 63 

The Pearl of Great Price 63 

The Good Samaritan 63 

The Body and Its Members 64 

The Wise and Foolish Virgins 65 

The Parable of the Talents 66 

The Rich Man and His Goods 67 

The Fig Tree That did not Bear Fruit 68 

The Two Sons 68 

The Prodigal Son 69 

The Marriage Feast 71 

The People Who Make Excuses 71 

Counting the Cost 72 



CONTENTS IX 



PAGE 



Prayers 73 

Prayers of Thanksgiving 73 

Prayers for Guidance 74 

Prayer for Right Words 76 

Prayer for Forgiveness 76 

Prayers in Times of Distress 76 

Prayers of Trust 77 

Prayer of Humility 78 

Prayer for a Ruler 78 

A Prayer for Every Day 79 

An Ancient Benediction 79 



ETHICAL EEADINGS FHOM THE BIBLE 

REVERENCE FOR THE CREATOR 

Remember also thy Creator in the days of thy youth, 
Before the evil days come, and the years draw nigh, 
When thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them. 

The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul : 
The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. 
The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: 
The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the 

eyes. 
The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever: 
The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. 

Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord ? 
And who shall stand in his holy place ? 
He that hath clean hands and a pure heart; 
Who hath not lifted up his soul unto falsehood 
And hath not sworn deceitfully. 

All the paths of the Lord are lovingkindness and truth. 

The heavens declare the glory of God; 

And the firmament showeth his handiwork. 

Day unto day uttereth speech. 

And night unto night showeth knowledge. 

1 



2 ETHICAL READINGS 

the depth of the riches 
Both of the wisdom and the knowledge of God! 
How unsearchable are his judgments; 
And his ways past tracing out ! 
For who hath known the mind of the Lord? 
Or who hath been his counsellor? 

God is a Spirit : and they that worship him must worship 
in spirit and in truth. 

One day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a 
thousand years as one day. 

Who shall dwell in Thy holy hill? 
He that walketh uprightly and worketh righteousness 
And speaketh truth in his heart : 
He that slandereth not with his tongue, 
Nor doeth evil to his friend, 
Nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbor. 



« 



REVERENCE FOR THE CREATOR 

The Song of the Psalmist 

Bless the Lord, my soul. 
Lord my God. thou art very great; 
Thou art clothed with honor and majesty: 
Who coverest thyself with light as with a garment; 
Who stretchest out the heavens like a curtain; 
Who layeth the beams of his chambers in the waters; 
Who maketh the clouds his chariot; 
Who walketh upon the wings of the wind; 
Who maketh winds his messengers; 
Flames of fire his ministers; 

Who laid the foundations of the earth, 

That it should not be moved forever. 

Thou coveredst it with the deep as with a vesture; 

The waters stood above the mountains. 

At thy rebuke they fled; 

At the voice of thy thunder they hasted away 

(The mountains rose, the valleys sank down) 

Unto the place which thou hadst founded for them. 

Thou hast set a bound that they may not pass over; 

That they turn not again to cover the earth. 

He sendeth forth springs into the valleys; 
They run among the mountains; 

3 



4 ETHICAL READINGS 

They give drink to every beast of the field; 

The wild asses quench their thirst. 

By them the birds of the heavens have their habitation; 

They sing among the branches. 

He watereth the mountains from his chambers: 

The earth is filled with the fruit of thy works. 

He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, 

And herb for the service of man; 

That he may bring forth food out of the earth. 

And bread that strengtheneth man's heart. 

The trees of the Lord are filled with moisture, 

The cedars of Lebanon, which he hath planted; 

Where the birds make their nests: 

As for the stork, the fir trees are her house. 

The high mountains are for the wild goats; 

The rocks are a refuge for the conies. 

He appointed the moon for seasons: 

The sun knoweth his going down. 

Thou makest darkness, and it is night, 

Wherein all the beasts of the forest creep forth. 

The young lions roar after their prey. 

And seek their food from God. 

The sun ariseth, they get them away, 

And lay them down in their dens. 

Man goeth forth unto his work 

And to his labor until the evening. 



REVERENCE FOR THE CREATOR 

Lord; how manifold are thy works! 
In wisdom hast thou made them all: 
The earth is full of thy riches. 
Yonder is the sea^ great and wide, 
Wherein are things gliding innumerable, 
Living things, both small and great. 
The earth is full of thy creatures. 
All of them wait on thee. 



REVERENCE FOR THE CREATOR 

Job and His Creator 

Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth ? 
Declare^ if thou hast understanding. 
Who determined the measures thereof, if thou knowest ? 
Or who stretched the Hne upon it ? 
Whereupon were the foundations thereof fastened? 
Or who laid the corner-stone thereof, 
When the morning stars sang together, 
And all the sons of God shouted for joy? 

Canst thou bind the cluster of the Pleiades, 

Or loose the bands of Orion ? 

Canst thou lead forth the Zodiac signs in their season ? 

Or canst thou guide the Bear with her train? 

Knowest thou the laws of the heavens ? 

Canst thou establish the dominion thereof in the earth? 

Hast thou given the horse his might ? 

Hast thou clothed his neck with the quivering mane ? 

Hast thou made him to leap as a locust ? 

The glory of his snorting is terrible. 

He paweth in the valley, and rejoiceth in his strength: 

He goeth out to meet the armed men. 

He mocketh at fear, and is not dismayed; 

Neither turneth he back from the sword. 

6 



REVERENCE FOR THE CREATOR 

The quiver rattleth against him, 

The flashing spear and the javeHn. 

He swalloweth the ground with fierceness and rage; 

Neither standeth he still at the voice of the trumpet. 

As oft as the trumpet soundeth he saith, Aha ! 

And he smelleth the battle afar off. 

The thunder of the captains and the shouting. 

The Prophet's Trust in the Almighty 

Hast thou not known ? Hast thou not heard ? 
The Creator of the ends of the earth 
Fainteth not; neither is weary; 
Young men may faint and grow weary, 
And the strongest youths may stumble, 
But they who trust in the Lord renew their vigor; 
They shall mount on wings like eagles, 
They shall run and not be weary, 
They shall walk and not faint. 



REVERENCE FOR THE CREATOR 

The Lovingkindness of God 

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; 
He leadeth me beside the still waters. 
He restoreth my soul : 
He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's 

sake. 
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of 

death, 
I will fear no evil; for thou art with me: 
Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me. 
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine 

enemies : 
Thou anointest my head with oil; 
My cup runneth over. 
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of 

my life : 
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. 



RESPECT FOR PARENTS 

Honor thy father and thy mother. 

My son^ keep the commandment of thy father, 
And forsake not the law of thy mother: 
Bind them continually upon thy heart; 
Tie them about thy neck. 

A wise son maketh a glad father; 
But a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother. 



WISDOM 

Wisdom is the principal thing, therefore get wisdom: 
Yea, with all thy getting get understanding. 

The price of wisdom is above rubies. 

Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, 
And the man that getteth understanding. 
None of the things thou canst desire 
Are to be compared unto her. 

How much better is it to get wisdom than gold ! 
Yea, to get understanding is rather to be chosen than silver. 

He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul : 
He that keepeth understanding shall find good. 



10 ETHICAL READINGS 

The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; 
And the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge. 

Get wisdom, get understandings- 
Forsake her not; and she will preserve thee. 

Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: 
Keep her; for she is thy life. 

Apply thy heart unto instruction, 
And thine ears to the words of knowledge. 

Doth not wisdom cry, 
Ajid understanding put forth her voice ? 
Blessed are they that keep my ways, 
For whoso findeth me findeth life; 
But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul. 

I, wisdom, have made prudence my dwelling, 
And find out knowledge and discretion. 
I love them that love me; 
And those that seek me diligently shall find me. 

Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that 
hath it. 

A wise man is strong: 
Yea, a man of knowledge increaseth might. 

Wise men lay up knowledge. 
A man of understanding maketh straight his going. 



WISDOM 11 

Reprove a wise man and he will love thee, 
Give instruction to a wise man and he will be yet wiser. 

The way of the foolish is right in his own eyes; 
But he that is wise hearkeneth unto counsel. 

Walk with wise men and thou shalt be wise. 

Where shall wisdom be found? 
And where is the place of understanding ? 
Behold the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; 
And to depart from evil is understanding. 

So teach us to number our days 
That we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. 

The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peace- 
able, gentle, easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good 
fruits, without variance, without hypocrisy. 

Look therefore carefully how ye walk, not as unwise, but 
as wise. 

Who is wise and understanding among you ? let him show 
by his good life his works in meekness of wisdom. 



RIGHT CONDUCT IN GENERAL 

Rejoice, young mail; in thy youth; and let thy heart 
cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways 
of thy heart; and in the sight of thine eyes; but know thou 
that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment. 

Enter not into the path of the wicked. 
And walk not in the way of evil men. 
Avoid it; pass not by it; 
Turn from it; and pass on. 

Enter ye in by the narrow gate: for wide is the gatC; and 
broad is the way; that leadeth to destruction; and many are 
they that enter in thereby. For narrow is the gate; and 
straitened the way; that leadeth unto life; and few are they 
that find it. 

He that walketh uprightly walketh surely; 
But he that perverteth his ways shall be known. 

Even a child maketh himself known by his doings. 
Whether his work be pure; and whether it be right. 

The way of him that is laden with guilt is exceeding 
crooked; 
But as for the pure, his work is straight. 

A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches. 
And loving favor rather than silver and gold. 

12 



RIGHT CONDUCT IN GENERAL 13 

Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil. 

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the 
ungodly, 
Nor standeth in the way of sinners. 
Nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 

Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean ? Not one. 

He that hath clean hands shall wax stronger and stronger. 

The path of the just is as the dawning light, 
That shineth more and more unto the perfect day. 

The way of the wicked is as darkness: 
They know not at what they stumble. 

He that covereth his transgressions shall not prosper; 
But whoso confesseth and f orsaketh them shall obtain mercy. 

The way of the transgressor is hard. 



RIGHT CONDUCT IN GENERAL 

MICAH'S RULE OF LIFE 

He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and 
what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, 
and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with thy 
God? 



Every one that doeth evil hateth the light, and cometh 
not to the light, lest his works should be reproved. But 
he that doeth the truth cometh to the light, that his works 
may be made manifest. 

Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon the earth. 
Where moth and rust consume. 
And where thieves break through and steal: 
But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, 
Where neither moth nor rust doth consume. 
And where thieves do not break through nor steal : 
For where thy treasure is, there will thy heart be also. 

The lamp of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye 
be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if 
thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. 
If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great 
is the darkness ! 

14 



RIGHT CONDUCT IN GENERAL 15 

No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate 
the one and love the other; or else he will hold to one and 
despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. 

Be not deceived, God is not mocked; for whatsoever a 
man soweth, that shall he also reap. 

Let us not be weary in well-doing; for in due season we 
shall reap if we faint not. 

Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, 
When it is in the power of thy hand to do it. 



RIGHT CONDUCT IN GENERAL 

THE GOLDEN RULE 

As ye would that men should do to you, 
Do ye also to them likewise. 



Hold fast that which is good; 
Abstain from every form of evil. 

Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. 

Keep thyself pure. 

Know ye not that ye are a temple of God, and that the 
spirit of God dwelleth in you ? The temple of God is holy, 
and such are ye. 

Know ye not that your body is a temple of the Holy 
Spirit which is in you, which ye have from God ? Glorify 
God therefore in your body. 

This is the love of God, that we keep his command- 
ments: and his commandments are not grievous. 

Prove your owm selves. 

Be ye doers of the word and not hearers only, deluding 
your own selves. 

16 



RIGHT CONDUCT IN GENERAL 17 

To him that knoweth to do good and doeth it not, to 
him it is sin. 

It is better that ye suffer for well-doing than for evil- 
doing. 

Let none of you suffer as a murderer, or a thief, or an 
evil-doer, or as a meddler in other men's matters. 

Be sober, be watchful. 

He that is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much: 
and he that is unrighteous in a very little is unrighteous 
also in much. 

There is no respect of persons with God; for not the 
hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the 
law shall be justified. 

Forgetting the things which are behind, and stretching 
forward to the things which are before, I press on toward 
the goal. 

Know ye not that they that run in a race run all, but 
one receiveth the prize ? Even so run, that ye may attain. 
And every man that striveth in the games exerciseth self- 
control in all things. 

If also a man contend in the games, he is not crowned 
except he have contended lawfully. 



18 ETHICAL READINGS 



Let us also, seeing we are compassed about by so great 
a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight and the sin 
which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience 
the race that is set before us. 

THE TWO GREAT COMMANDMENTS 

Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy 
heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 
This is the great and first commandment. And a 
second like unto it is this, Thou shalt love thy neigh- 
bor as thyself. 



%t 1 



CONDUCT IN PARTICULAR 

These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven 
are an abomination unto him; a proud look, a lying 
tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart 
that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift 
in running to mischief, a false witness that speaketh 
lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren. 



FALSEHOOD AND CARELESS SPEECH 

Putting away falsehood^ speak ye truth each one with 
his neighbor; for we are members one of another. 

Keep thy tongue from evil, 
And thy Kps from speaking guile. 
Depart from evil and do good; 
Seek peace and pursue it. 

A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: 
But perverseness therein is a breaking of the spirit. 

If any stumble not in word, the same is a perfect man, 

able to bridle the whole body also. Now if we put the 

horses' bridles into their mouths that they may obey us, 

we turn about their whole body also. Behold, the ships 

also, though they are so great and are driven by rough 

winds, are yet turned about by a very small rudder, whither 

19 



20 ETHICAL READINGS 

the impulse of the steersman willeth. So the tongue also 
is a little member^ and boasteth great things. 

Behold, how much wood is kindled by how small a fire! 
And the tongue is a fire. 

Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to 
wrath. 

Let no corrupt speech proceed out of your mouth. 

Keep thyself far from a false matter. 

A lying tongue hateth those whom it hath wounded; 
And a flattering mouth worketh ruin. 

Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord; 
But they that deal truly are his delight. 



WORDS THAT MAKE MISCHIEF 

Be not a witness against thy neighbor without cause; 
And deceive not with thy Hps. 

For lack of wood the fire goeth out; 
And where there is no whisperer, contention ceaseth. 

He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets; 
But he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth a matter. 

Thou shalt not take up a false report. 

Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor. 

Disclose not the secret of another. 

Speak not one against another. 

Speak evil of no man; be gentle. 

Shun foolish questionings. 

He that harpeth on a matter separateth chief friends. 

He that giveth answer before he heareth, 
It is folly and shame unto him. 

Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue 
Keepeth his soul from troubles. 

Put away from thee a wayward mouth, 
And perverse lips put far from thee. 

21 



WORDS THAT MAKE FOR HAPPINESS 

A word in due season^ how good is it ! 

A word fitly spoken 
Is like apples of gold in network of silver. 

Pleasant words are as a honeycomb, 
Sweet to the soul, and health to the bones. 



HATRED AND ANGER 

Hatred stirreth up strifes; 
But love €overeth all transgressions. 

He whose spirit is without restraint 
Is like a city that is broken down and without walls. 

Let your gentleness be known unto all men. 

Let not the sun go down upon your wrath. 

Strive not with a man without cause. 

Where jealousy and faction are. 
There is confusion and every vile deed. 

He that is soon angry will deal foolishly. 

He that is slow to anger is of great understanding; 
But he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly. 

22 



HATRED AND ANGER 23 

A soft answer turneth away wrath; 
But a grievous word stirreth up anger. 

A wrathful man stirreth up contention; 
But he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife. 

He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; 
And he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city. 

Better is a dry morsel and quietness therewith, 
Than a house full of feasting with strife. 

He that spareth his words hath knowledge; 
And he that is of a cool spirit is a man of understanding. 

Even a fool when he holdeth his peace^ is counted wise; 
When he shutteth his lips^ he is esteemed as prudent. 

A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city; 
And such contentions are like the. bars of a castle. 

It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife; 
But every fool will be quarrelling. 

Make no friendship with a man that is given to anger. 

Go not forth hastily to strive, 
Lest thou know not what to do in the end thereof, 
When thy neighbor hath put thee to shame. 

As coals are to hot embers, and wood to fire, 
So is a contentious man to inflame strife. 



24 ETHICAL READINGS 

He that passeth by, and vexeth himself with strife belong- 
ing not to him, 
Is like one that taketh a dog by the ears. 

If a wise man hath a controversy with a foolish man, 
Whether he be angry or laugh, there will be no rest. 

A fool uttereth all his anger; 
But a wise man keepeth it back and stilleth it. 

An angry man stirreth up strife. 
And a wrathful man aboundeth in transgression. 

Strive not about words to no profit. 

A perverse man scattereth abroad strife; 
And a whisperer separateth chief friends. 

He that despiseth his neighbor is void of wisdom; 
But a man of understanding holdeth his peace. 

Render to no man evil for evil. 

Take thought for things honorable in the sight of all men. 

If it be possible, as much as in you lieth, be at peace 
with all men. 

If thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him 
to drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire upon 
his head. 



HATRED AND ANGER 25 

Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. 

He that is of a greedy spirit stirreth up strife. 

Let us follow after things which make for peace. 

Murmur not one against another, that ye be not judged. 

Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judg- 
ment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure 
ye mete, it shall be measured unto you. 

Live in peace. 



FALSE DEALING 

Ye shall not steal, neither shall ye deal falsely, nor lie 
one to another. 

Thou shalt not have in thy bag diverse weights, a great 
and a small. Thou shalt not have in thy house diverse 
measm*eS; a great and a small. A perfect and just weight 
shalt thou have, a perfect and just measure shalt thou 
have. 

A false balance is an abomination to the Lord; 
But a just weight is his delight. 

Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul. 

Ye shall not wrong one another. 

He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker; 
But he that hath mercy on the needy honoreth him. 

Thou shalt not oppress a hired servant. 

He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; 
But he that hateth bribes shall live. 



26 



KINDNESS AND GENEROSITY 

Let not kindness and truth forsake thee: 
Bind them about thy neck; 
Write them upon the tablet of thy heart. 

Thou shalt not see thy brother's ox or his sheep go astray 
and hide thyself from them: thou shalt surely bring them 
again to thy brother. 

If thou meet thine enemy's ox or his ass going astray 
thou shalt surely bring it back to him. 

Thou shalt not muzzle the ox when he treadeth out the 
grain. 

That which maketh a man to be desired is his kindness. 

Let all bitternesS; and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and 
railing, be put away from you, with all malice : and be ye 
kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other. 

The merciful man doeth good to his own soul; 
But he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh. 

Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth. 
And let not thine heart be glad when he is overthrown. 

If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; 
And if he be thirsty, give him water to drink. 

27 



28 ETHICAL READINGS 

To him that is ready to faint kindness should be showed 
from his friend. 

He that soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and 
he that soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Let 
each man do according as he hath purposed in his heart; 
not grudgingly nor of necessity; for God loveth a cheerful 
giver. 

Freely ye have received^ freely give. 

Cast thy bread upon the waters^ for thou shalt find it 
after many days. 

It is more blessed to give than to receive. 

There is that scattereth^ and increaseth yet more; 
And there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it 
tendeth only to want. 

There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: 
There is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great wealth. 

To whomsoever much is given, of him shall much be 
required. 

Take heed that ye do not your righteousness before men, 
to be seen of them. When therefore thou doest alms, soimd 
not a trumpet before thee as the hypocrites do, that they 
may have glory of men. But when thou doest alms let 
not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth. 



KINDNESS AND GENEROSITY 29 

Give and it shall be given unto you; good measure, 
pressed down, shaken together, running over, shall they 
give into your bosom. For with what measure ye mete it 
shall be measured to you again. 



BROTHERLY LOVE 

Render to all their dues. 

Owe no man anything, save to love one another: for he 
that loveth his neighbor hath fulfilled the law. 

Love worketh no ill to his neighbor: love therefore is 
the fulfilment of the law. 

Now we that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of 
the weak; and not to please ourselves. Let each one of us 
please his neighbor for that which is good. 

He that saith he is in the light and hateth his brother, is 

in the darkness. 

» 
Let us not love in word, neither with the tongue; but in 

deed and truth. 

Let us love one another, for love is of God. 

A friend loveth at all times. 

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down 
his life for his friends. 

Better is open rebuke 
Than love that is hidden. 

The rich and the poor meet together: 
The Lord is the maker of them all. 

30 



BROTHERLY LOVE 31 

Let love be without hypocrisy. 

The whole law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: Thou 
shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. 

Bear ye one another's burdens. 

As we have opportunity, let us work that which is good 
toward all men. 

Encourage the faint-hearted, support the weak, be long- 
suffering toward all. See that none render unto anyone 
evil for evil; but always follow after that which is good, 
one toward another and toward all. 

Love your enemies and pray for them that perse- 
cute you ; that ye may be sons of your Father who is 
in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil 
and the good, and sendeth rain on the just and the 
unjust. 



THE BEATITUDES 
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the 
kingdom of heaven. 

Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be 
comforted. 

Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the 
earth. 

Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after 
righteousness: for they shall be filled. 

Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain 
mercy. 

Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see 
God. 

Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be 
called children of God. 



THE SONG OF HUMAN AFFECTION 

If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, 
But have not love, 
I am become sounding brass, or a clanging cymbal. 

And if I have the gift of prophecy. 
And know all mysteries and all knowledge; 
And if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, 
But have not love, 
I am nothing. 

And if I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, 
And if I give my body to be burned. 
But have not love. 
It profiteth me nothing. 

Love suflfereth long, and is kind; 
Love envieth not; 

Love vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up. 
Doth not behave itself unseemly, 
Seeketh not its own. 
Is not provoked, 
Taketh not account of evil, 
Rejoiceth not in unrighteousness, 
But rejoiceth with the truth, 
Beareth all things, 

Believeth all things, 

33 



34 ETHICAL READINGS 

Hopeth all things, 
Endureth all things. 

Love never faileth. 
But whether there be prophecies, 
They shall be done away; 
Whether there be tongues, 
They shall cease; 
Whether there be knowledge. 
It shall be done away. 

For we know in part. 
And we prophesy in part, 
But when that which is perfect is come. 
That which is in part shall be done away. 

When I was a child, I spake as a child, 
I felt as a child, I thought as a child: 
Now that I am become a man, 
I have put away childish things. 

For now we see in a mirror, darkly; 
But then face to face: 
Now I know in part; 
But then shall I know fully. 
Even as also I was fully known. 

But now abideth faith, hope, love, these three; 
And the greatest of these is love. 



1 



CIVIC RIGHTEOUSNESS 

By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted; 
But it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked. 

Where no wise guidance is the people falleth; 
But in the multitude of counsellors there is safety. 

Righteousness exalteth a nation; 
But sin is a reproach to any people. 

There was a little city, and few men within it; 
And there came a great king against it and besieged it, 
And built great bulwarks against it. 
Now there was found in it a poor wise man, 
And he by his wisdom delivered the city; 
Then said I, Wisdom is better than strength: 
Wisdom is better than weapons of war. 

One that ruleth over men righteously, 
That ruleth in the fear of God, 

He shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, 
A morning without clouds. 

When the tender grass springeth out of the earth, 
Through clear shining after rain. 

But the ungodly shall be all of them as thorns to be thrust 
away. 

35 



36 ETHICAL READINGS 

A Ruler's Oath of Office 

I will behave myself wisely and blamelessly. 
I will walk in uprightness of mind in the midst of my 

house. 
I will set before mine eyes nothing that is base. 
I hate an act of apostasy; it shall not cleave to me. 
A perverse purpose I will banish from me. 
I will know no evil. 

Whoever secretly slanders his neighbor, him will I cut off; 
Whoever has a high look and a proud heart, him will I not 

tolerate. 
Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they 

may dwell with me. 

He who walks in an upright manner, that one shall serve 

me. 
He who practices deceit shall not dwell within my house; 
He who speaks falsehood shall not be established before 

mine eyes.* 

A Citizen's Rule of Life 
Deal courageously. 

Be of good courage and let us play the man for our 
people. 

*Kent^s translation in "The Songs, Hymns, and Prayers of the Old Testa- 
ment." 



CIVIC RIGHTEOUSNESS 37 

They help everyone his neighbor and everyone saith to 
his brother, Be of good courage. 

Fear not, but let your hands be strong. 



OCCUPATION AND INDUSTRY 

For everything there is a season; and a time for every 
purpose under heaven: 

A time to be born and a time to die; a time to plant 
and a time to pluck up that which is planted; 

A time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn 
and a time to dance; 

A time to seek and a time to lose; a time to keep and a 
time to cast away; 

A time to rend and a time to sew; a time to keep silence 
and a time to speak. 

Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might. 

If any will not work, neither let him eat. 

He becometh poor that worketh with a slack hand; 
But the hand of the diligent maketh rich. 

He that gathereth in summer is a wise son; 
But he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame. 

In all labor there is profit; 
But the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury. 

He also that is slack in his work 
Is brother to him that is a destroyer. 

38 



OCCUPATION AND INDUSTRY 39 

Slothf Illness casteth into a deep sleep; 
And the idle soul shall suffer hunger. 

The sluggard burieth his hand in the dish, 
And will not so much as bring it to his mouth again. 

The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in 
hunting. 

The soul of the sluggard desireth and hath nothing; 
But the soul of the diligent shall be made fat. 

The sluggard will not plow by reason of the winter; 
Therefore he shall beg in harvest and have nothing. 

The sluggard saith. There is a lion without; 
I shall be slain in the streets. 

The desire of the sluggard killeth him; 
For his hands refuse to labor. 



OCCUPATION AND INDUSTRY 

THE FIELD OF THE LAZY MAN 

I went by the field of the sluggard, 
And by the vineyard of the man void of understand- 
ing; 
And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns. 
The face thereof was covered with nettles. 
And the stone wall thereof was broken down. 
Then I beheld and considered well; 
I saw, and received instruction: 
Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, 
A little folding of the hands to sleep; 
So shall thy poverty come as a robber, 
And thy want as an armed man. 

A LESSON FROM THE ANT 

Go to the ant, thou sluggard; 
Consider her ways, and be wise: 
Which having no chief, 
Overseer, or ruler, 

Provideth her bread in the summer. 
And gathereth her food in the harvest. 
How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard.^ 
When wilt thou arise out of thy sleep? 

40 



OCCUPATION AND INDUSTRY 41 

Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, 
A little folding of the hands to sleep: 
So shall thy poverty come as a robber, 
And thy want as an armed man. 



OCCUPATION AND INDUSTRY 

A LESSON FROM LITTLE CREATURES 

There are four things which are little upon the 
earth, 
But they are exceeding wise: 
The ants are a people not strong, 
Yet they provide their food in the summer; 
The conies are but a feeble folk, 
Yet they make their houses in the rocks; 
The locusts have no king. 
Yet they go forth all of them by bands; 
The spider taketh hold with her hands, 
Yet she is in kings' palaces. 



The way of the sluggard is as a hedge of thorns; 
But the path of the upright is made a highway. 

As vinegar to the teeth and as smoke to the eyes, 
So is the sluggard to them that send him. 

The labor of the righteous tendeth to life; 
The increase of the wicked to sin. 

Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished; 
But he that gathereth by labor shall have increase. 

42 



OCCUPATION AND INDUSTRY 43 

He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread; 
But he that foUoweth after vain persons shall have pov- 
erty enough. 

He that ploweth ought to plow in hope; 
And he that thresheth, to thresh in hope of partaking. 

The laborer is worthy of his hire. 

Let all things be done decently and in order. 

Study to be quiet and to do your own business. 

Let each man prove his own work. 



POVERTY AND INTEMPERANCE 

The drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty; 
And drowsiness will clothe a man with rags. 

Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath conten- 
tions ? 
Who hath complaining? who hath wounds without cause? 
Who hath redness of eyes? 
They that tarry long at the wine; 
They that go to seek out mixed wine. 
Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, 
When it sparkleth in the cup, 
When it goeth down smoothly: 
At the last it biteth like a serpent. 
And stingeth like an adder. 



PERSONAL THINKING 
The Importance of Right Thoughts 

Keep thy heart with all diligence; 
For out of it are the issues of life. 

Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. 
The good man out of his good treasure bringeth forth good 
things: 

44 



PERSONAL THINKING 45 

And the evil man out of his evil treasure bringeth forth 
evil things. 

Each tree is known by its own fruit. 
For of thorns men do not gather figs, 
Nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes. 

Take thought for things honorable in the sight of all men. 

He that diligently seeketh good seeketh favor; 
But he that searcheth after evil, it shall come unto him. 

Let the wicked forsake his way, 
And the imrighteous man his thoughts. 

Sin is lawlessness. 

All unrighteousness is sin. 

Deceit is in the heart of them that devise evil. 

If any man thinketh that he knoweth anjihing, he 
knoweth not yet as he ought to know. 

For if a man thinketh himself to be something when he 
is nothing, he deceiveth himself. 

Many shall be last that are first; and first that are last. 



46 ETHICAL READINGS 



Judge not according to appearance, but judge righteous 
judgment. 

Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. 

Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation. 

Blessed is the man that endureth temptation. 

Where your treasure iS; there will your heart be also. 



us ■ 



My thoughts are not your thoughts, 
Neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. 
For as the heavens are higher than the earth. 
So are my ways higher than your ways. 
And my thoughts than your thoughts. 



PERSONAL THINKING 

A Spirit of Love and Confidence Rather than 

Fear 

God gave us not a spirit of Tearfulness ; 
But of power and love and discipline. 

The fear of man bringeth a snare. 

There is no fear in love: 
But perfect love casteth out fear. 

God is love. 

Thou shalt love the Lord thy God. 

Patience 

Behold; the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit 
of the earth; being patient over it; until it receive the early 
and latter rain. Be ye also patient. 

Let patience have its perfect work. 

Contentment 
Do all things without murmurings and questionings. 

Godliness with contentment is great gain: 
For we brought nothing into the world, 
For neither can we carry anything out. 

47 



48 ETHICAL READINGS 

Be ye free from the love of money, 
Content with such things as ye have. 

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. 

Better is little with the fear of the Lord, 
Than great treasure and trouble therewith. 

Better is a dinner of herbs, where love is, 
Than a stalled ox and hatred therewith. 

Better is a little, with righteousness. 
Than great revenues with injustice. 

Riches certainly make themselves wings. 

Give me neither poverty nor riches; 
Feed me with the food that is needful for me. 

A tranquil heart is the life of the fiesh; 
But envy is the rottenness of the bones. 

Be ye thankful. 

Cheerfulness 
He that is of a cheerful heart hath a continual feast. 



A cheerful heart is a good medicine. 



PERSONAL THINKING 49 

Heaviness in the heart of a man maketh it stoop; 
But a good word maketh it glad. 

The heart knoweth its own bitterness; 
And a stranger doth not intermeddle with its joy. 

Humility 
Before honor goeth humility. 

Let another man praise thee, and not thine own 
mouth. 

Pride goeth before destruction, 
And a haughty spirit before a fall. 

A man^s pride shall bring him low; 
But he that is of a lowly spirit shall obtain honor. 

Whosoever shall exalt himself shall be humbled; 
And whosoever shall humble himself shall be exalted. 

For better is it that it be said unto thee, Come up 
hither, 
Than that thou shouldest be put lower in the presence of 
the prince. 

Let us not become vainglorious, provoking one another, 
envying one another. 



50 ETHICAL READINGS 

Whosoever would become great among you shall be your 
minister; 
And whosoever would be first among you shall be your 
servant. 

Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a 
little child; he shall in no wise enter therein. 

Better it is to be of a lowly spirit with the poor, 
Than to divide the spoil with the proud. 

To have respect of persons is not good. 

If there come into your assembly a man with a 
gold ring, in fine clothing, and there come in also a 
poor man in vile clothing ; and ye have regard to him 
that weareth the fine clothing, and say. Sit thou here 
in a good place; and ye say to the poor man. Stand 
thou there, or sit under my footstool; do ye not 
make distinctions among yourselves? 

Boast not thyself of tomorrov/; 
For thou knowest not what a day may bring forth. 

Come now ye that say. Today or tomorrow we will go 
into this city^ and spend a year there^ and trade and get 
gain: whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. 



PERSONAL THINKING 51 

What is your life ? For ye are a vapor that appeareth for 
a Httle time; and then vanisheth away. 

Courage 
Say to them of a fearful heart. Be strong, fear not. 

Be strong and let your heart take courage. 

Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he will sustain thee. 

Be strong and of good courage; be not affrighted, neither 
be thou dismayed. 

Finally, 

Whatsoever things are true, 
Whatsoever things are honorable. 
Whatsoever things are just, 
Whatsoever things are pure. 
Whatsoever things are lovely, 
Whatsoever things are of good report; 
If there be any virtue, 
And if there be any praise. 
Think on these things. 



SHORT PROVERBS AND PARABLES 

Can the rush grow up without mire? 
Can the flag grow without water ? 

Can that which hath no savor be eaten without salt ? 
Or is there any taste in the white of an egg ? 

Salt is good; but if the salt have lost its saltnesS; where- 
with will ye season it ? Have salt in yourselves; and be at 
peace one with another. 

Doth the fountain send forth from the same opening 
sweet water and bitter? Can a fig tree yield oHves, or a 
vine figs ? Neither can salt water yield sweet. 

Can the bHnd guide the bHnd ? Shall they not both fall 
into a pit ? 

Give not that which is holy unto the dogS; neither cast 
your pearls before the swine, lest haply they trample them 
under their feet; and turn and rend you. 

Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's 
clothing; but inwardly are ravening wolves. 

By their fruits ye shall know them. Do men gather 
grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good 

52 



SHORT PROVERBS AND PARABLES 53 

tree bringeth forth good fruit; but the corrupt tree bring- 
eth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil 
fruit; neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 
Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down 
and cast into the fire. Therefore by their fruits ye shall 
know them. 

Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble 
Is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint. 

Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein; 
And he that rolleth a stone, it shall return upon him. 

It is not good to eat much honey; 
So for men to search out their own glory is grievous. 

Man is born unto trouble, 
As the sparks fly upward. 

Iron sharpeneth iron; 
So a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend. 

As in water face answereth to face, 
So the heart of man to man. 

No man putteth a piece of undressed cloth upon an old 
garment; for that which should fill it up taketh from the 
garment, the new from the old, and a worse rent is made. 
Neither do men put new wine into old wineskins: else the 



54 ETHICAL READINGS 

skins burst, and the wine is spilled, and the skins perish: 
but they put new wine into fresh wineskins and both are 
preserved. 

Even things mthout life, giving a voice, whether pipe or 
harp, if they give not a distinction in the sounds, how shall 
it be known what is piped or harped ? For if the trumpet 
give an uncertain voice, who shall prepare himself for war ? 
So also ye, unless ye utter speech easy to be understood, 
how shall it be known what is spoken ? for ye will be speak- 
ing into the air. 



STORIES AND LONGER PARABLES 
David and Goliath 

Now the Philistines gathered together their armies to 
battle; and they were gathered together at Socoh, which 
belongeth to Judah, and encamped between Socoh and 
Azekah, in Ephes-dammim. And Saul and the men of 
Israel were gathered together^ and encamped in the vale 
of Elah; and set the battle in array against the Philistines. 
And the Philistines stood on the mountain on the one side, 
and Israel stood on the mountain on the other side: and 
there was a valley between them. And there went out a 
champion out of the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, 
of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span. And he 
had a helmet of brass upon his head, and he was clad with 
a coat of mail; and the weight of the coat was five thou- 
sand shekels of brass. And he had greaves of brass upon 
his legs, and a javelin of brass between his shoulders. And 
the staff of his spear was hke a weaver^s beam; and his 
spear's head weighed six hundred shekels of iron: and his 
shield-bearer went before him. And he stood and cried 
unto the armies of Israel, and said unto them, AVhy are ye 
come out to set your battle in array ? am not I a Philistine, 
and ye servants to Saul? choose you a man for you, and 
let him come down to me. If he be able to fight with 
me, and kill me, then will we be your servants; but if 

55 



56 ETHICAL READINGS 

I prevail against him, and kill him, then shall ye be 
our servants, and serve us. And the Philistine said, I 
defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that 
we may fight together. And when Saul and all Israel 
heard those words of the Philistine, they were dismayed, 
and greatly afraid. 

Now David was the son of that Ephrathite of Beth- 
lehem-judah, whose name was Jesse; and he had eight 
sons. And David was the yoimgest; and the three eldest 
followed Saul. Now David went to and fro from Saul 
to feed his father's sheep at Beth-lehem. And the Phil- 
istine drew near morning and evening, and presented him- 
self forty days. 

And Jesse said imto David his son. Take now for thy 
brethren an ephah of this parched grain, and these ten 
loaves, and carry them quickly to the camp to thy brethren. 
And David rose up early in the morning, and left the sheep 
with a keeper, and took, and went, as Jesse had commanded 
him; and he came to the place of the wagons, as the host 
which was going forth to the fight shouted for the battle. 
And David left his baggage in the hand of the keeper of 
the baggage, and ran to the army, and came and saluted 
his brethren. And as he talked with them, behold, there 
came up the champion, the Philistine of Gath, Goliath by 
name. And all the men of Israel, when they saw the man, 
fled from him, and were sore afraid. And the men of 
Israel said. Have ye seen this man that is come up ? surely 



STORIES AND LONGER PARABLES 57 

to defy Israel is he come up : and it shall be, that the man 
who killeth him, the king will enrich him with great riches, 
and will give him his daughter, and make his father's house 
free in Israel. 

And David said to Saul, Let no man's heart fail because 
of him; thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine. 
And Saul said to David, Thou art not able to go against 
this Philistine to fight with him; for thou art but a youth, 
and he a man of war. And David said unto Saul, Thy 
servant was keeping his father's sheep; and when there 
came a lion, or a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock, 
I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered it out 
of his mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught him 
by his beard, and smote him, and slew him. And David 
said, The Lord that delivered me out of the paw of the 
lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out 
of the hand of this Philistine. 

And Saul said unto David, Go, and the Lord shall be 
with thee. And Saul clad David with his apparel, and he 
put an helmet of brass upon his head, and he clad him 
with a coat of mail. And David girded his sword upon 
his apparel, and he assayed to go; for he had not proved it. 
And David said unto Saul, I cannot go with these; for I 
have not proved them. And David put them off him. 

And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five 
smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in the shep- 



58 ETHICAL READINGS 

herd's bag which he had, even in his wallet; and his sling 
was in his hand: and he drew near to the Phihstine. And 
the Philistine came on and drew near imto David; and 
the man that bare the shield went before him. And when 
the Philistine looked about, and saw David, he disdained 
him: for he was but a youth, and ruddy, and withal of a 
fair countenance. And the Philistine said unto David, 
Am I a dog, that thou comest to me with staves? And 
the Philistine said to David, Come to me, and I will give 
thy flesh imto the birds of the heavens, and to the beasts 
of the field. Then said David to the Philistine, Thou 
comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a 
javelin: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of 
hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast 
defied. This day will the Lord deliver thee into my hand. 
And it came to pass, when the Philistine arose, and came 
and drew nigh to meet David, that David hastened, and 
ran toward the army to meet the Philistine. And David 
put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang 
it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead; and the stone 
sank into his forehead, and he fell upon his face to the earth. 
So David prevailed over the Phihstine with a sling and 
with a stone, and smote the Philistine, and slew him; but 
there was no sword in the hand of David. And when the 
Philistines saw that their champion was dead, they fled. 



AN ANCIENT MEMORIAL SONG 

The Lament of David over Saul and Jonathan 

Now the Philistines fought against Israel: and the men 
of Israel fled from before the Philistines, and fell down 
slain in mount Gilboa. And the Philistines followed hard 
upon Saul and upon his sons; and the Philistines slew 
Jonathan, and Abinadab, and Malchi-shua, the sons of 
Saul. And the battle went sore against Saul. So Saul 
died, and his three sons, and his armorbearer, and all his 
men, that same day together. 

And David lamented with this lamentation over Saul 
and over Jonathan his son, and he bade them teach the 
children of Judah the song of the bow: 

Thy glory, Israel, is slain upon thy high places ! 
How are the mighty fallen ! 

Saul and Jonathan were lovely and pleasant in their lives. 
And in their death they were not divided: 
They were swifter than eagles, 
They were stronger than lions. 
Ye daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, 
Who clothed you in scarlet delicately. 
Who put ornaments of gold upon your apparel. 
How are the mighty fallen in the midst of the battle ! 
Jonathan is slain upon thy high places. 

59 



60 ETHICAL READINGS 

I am distressed for thee, my brother Jonathan: 

Very pleasant hast thou been imto me: 

Thy love to me was wonderful; 

Passing the love of women. 

How are the mighty fallen, 

And the weapons of war perished ! 



PARABLES AND STORIES 

Isaiah's Vineyard Song 

A song will I sing of my friend, 
A love-song touching his vineyard. 

A vineyard belongs to my friend. 
On a hill that is fruitful and sunny; 
He digged it and cleared it of stones, 
And planted there vines that are choice; 
A tower he built in the midst, 
And hewed out therein a wine-vat; 
And he looked to find grapes that are good, 
Alas ! it bore grapes that are wild. 

Ye, in Jerusalem dwelling, 
And ye, who are freemen of Judah, 
Judge ye, I pray, between me 
And the vineyard which I have cherished. 
What could have been done for my vineyard 
That I had not done? 

When I looked to find grapes that ai^e good, 
Why bore it grapes that are wild? 

And now let me give you to know 

What I purpose to do to my vineyard: 

61 



62 ETHICAL READINGS 

I will take away its hedge. 
That it be eaten up. 
I will break through its walls, 
That it be trodden down; 
Yea, I will make it a waste, 
Neither pruned nor weeded; 

It shall shoot up thorns and briers, 
And the clouds will I enjoin that they rain not upon it. 
For the vineyard of the Lord of hosts is the house of 

Israel, 
And the men of Judah his cherished plantation; 
And he looked for justice, but behold ! bloodshed, 
For righteousness, and behold ! an outcry.* 

The Sower 

Behold, the sower went forth to sow; and as he sowed, 
some seeds fell by the wayside, and the birds came and 
devoured them: and others fell upon the rocky places, 
where they had not much earth: and straightway they 
sprang up, because they had no deepness of earth: and 
when the sim was risen, they were scorched; and because 
they had no root, they withered away. And others fell 
upon the thorns; and the thorns grew up and choked them: 
and others fell upon the good ground, and yielded fruit, 
some a himdredfold, some sixty, some thirty. 

* Cheyne's translation of Isaiah 5 : 1-7 in the Polychrome Bible. 



PARABLES AND STORIES 63 



The Lamp 



No mail; when he hath Hghted a lamp, covereth it with 
a vessel, or putteth it under a bed; but putteth it on a 
stand; that they that enter in may see the light. Take 
heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him 
shall be given; and whosoever hath not; from him shall be 
taken away even that which he thinketh he hath. 

The Treasure 

The kingdom of heaven is like unto a treasure hidden in 
the field; which a man found; and hid; and in his joy he 
goeth and selleth all that he hath; and buyeth that field. 

The Pearl of Great Price 

Again; the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is 
a merchant seeking goodly pearls: and having found one 
pearl of great price; he went and sold all that he had; and 
bought it. 

The Good Samaritan 

A certain man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho ; 
and he fell among robberS; who both stripped him and beat 
him; and departed, leaving him half dead. And by chance 
a certain priest was going down that way: and when he 
saw him, he passed by on the other side. And in like man- 
ner a Levite also, when he came to the placC; and saw hini; 
passed by on the other side. 



64 ETHICAL READINGS 

But a certain Samaritan; as he journeyed; came where he 
was: and when he saw him; he was moved with compas- 
sion; and came to him; and bound up his woundS; pouring 
on them oil and wine; and he set him on his own beast; and 
brought him to an inU; and took care of him. And on the 
morrow he took out two shillings; and gave them to the 
host; and said; Take care of him; and whatsoever thou 
spendest morC; I; when I come back again; will repay thee. 

Which of these three; thinkest thoU; proved neighbor 
unto him that fell among the robbers? And he said; He 
that showed mercy on him. 

The Body and Its Meivibers 

The body is not one member; but many. If the foot 
shall say; Because I am not the hand; I am not of the body; 
it is not therefore not of the body. And if the ear shall 
say; Because I am not the eye; I am not of the body; it 
is not therefore not of the body. If the whole body were 
an eyC; where were the hearing? If the whole were hear- 
ing, where were the smelling? But now hath God set the 
members each one of them in the body, even as it pleased 
him. And if they were all one member; where were the 
body? But now they are many memberS; but one body. 

And the eye cannot say to the hand; I have no need of 
thee : or again the head to the feet; I have no need of you. 
Nay; much rather; those members of the body which seem 
to be more feeble are necessary: and those parts of the 



PARABLES AND STORIES 65 

body; which we think to be less honorable, upon these we 
bestow more abundant honor; and our uncomely parts 
have more abundant comeliness; whereas our comely 
parts have no need : but God tempered the body together, 
giving more abundant honor to that part which lacked; 
that there should be no schism in the body; but that the 
members should have the same care one for another. And 
whether one member suffereth, all the members suffer with 
it; or one member is honored, all the members rejoice 
with it. 

The Wise and Foolish Virgins 

Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten 
virgins, who took their lamps, and went forth to meet the 
bridegroom. And five of them were foolish, and five were 
wise. For the foolish, when they took their lamps, took 
no oil with them: but the wise took oil in their vessels 
with their lamps. 

Now while the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered 
and slept. But at midnight there is a cry. Behold, the 
bridegroom ! Come ye forth to meet him. Then all those 
virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish 
said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are 
going out. But the wise answered, saying, Perad venture 
there will not be enough for us and you: go ye rather to 
them that sell, and buy for yourselves. 

And while they went away to buy, the bridegroom came; 



66 ETHICAL READINGS 

and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage 
feast: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the 
other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he an- 
swered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. 
Watch therefore, for ye know not the day nor the hour. 

The Parable of the Talents 

For it is as when a man, going into another country, 
called his own servants, and delivered imto them his goods. 
And imto one he gave five talents, to another two, to an- 
other one; to each according to his several ability; and he 
went on his journey. Straightway he that received the five 
talents went and traded with them, and made other five 
talents. In like manner he also that received the two gained 
other two. But he that received the one went away and 
digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money. 

Now after a long time the lord of those servants cometh, 
and maketh a reckoning with them. And he that received 
the five talents came and brought other five talents, saying. 
Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: lo, I have 
gained other five talents. His lord said imto him. Well 
done, good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful 
over a few things, I will set thee over many things; enter 
thou into the joy of thy lord. And he also that received 
the two talents came and said. Lord, thou deliveredst unto 
me two talents: lo, I have gained other two talents. His 
lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant: 



PARABLES AND STORIES 67 

thou hast been faithful over a few thingS; I will set thee 
over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy lord. 

And he also that had received the one talent came and 
said; Lord; I knew thee that thou art a hard maU; reaping 
where thou didst not soW; and gathering where thou didst 
not scatter; and I was afraid; and went away and hid thy 
talent in the earth: lo; thou hast thine own. But his lord 
answered and said imto him; Thou wicked and slothful 
servant; thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not; and 
gather where I did not scatter; thou oughtest therefore to 
have put my money to the bankerS; and at my coming I 
should have received back mine own with interest. Take 
ye away therefore the talent from him; and give it imto 
him that hath the ten talents. For unto every one that 
hath shall be giveU; and he shall have abundance: but 
from him that hath not; even that which he hath shall be 
taken away. 

The Rich Man and His Goods 

Take heed; and keep yourselves from all covetousness : 
for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the 
things which he possesseth. And he spake a parable unto 
them; saying; 

The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plenti- 
fully: and he reasoned within himself, saying, \Vliat shall I 
dO; because I have not where to bestow my fruits? And 
he said; This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and 



68 ETHICAL READINGS 

build greater; and there will I bestow all my grain and 
my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast 
much .goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, 
drink, be merry. 

But God said unto him, Thou foolish one, this night is 
thy soul required of thee; and the things which thou hast 
prepared, whose shall they be? So is he that layeth up 
treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God. 

The Fig Tkee That did not Bear Fruit 

A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; 
and he came seeking fruit thereon, and found none. 

And he said unto the vinedresser. Behold, these three 
years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: 
cut it down; why doth it also cumber the ground? 

And he answering saith unto him. Lord, let it alone this 
year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it: and if it 
bear fruit thenceforth, well; but if not, thou shalt cut it 
down. 

The Two Sons 

What think ye? A man had two sons; and he came to 
the first, and said. Son, go work to-day in the vineyard. 
And he answered and said, I will not : but afterward he re- 
pented himself, and went. And he came to the second, 
and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: 
and went not. Which of the two did the will of his father ? 



PARABLES AND STORIES 69 

The Prodigal Son 

A certain man had two sons: and the younger of them said 
to his father, Father, give me the portion of thy substance 
that falleth to me. And he divided imto them his Hving. 

And not many days after, the yoimger son gathered all 
together and took his journey into a far coimtry; and 
there he wasted his substance with riotous living. And 
when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that 
country; and he began to be in want. And he went and 
joined himself to one of the citizens of that country; and 
he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would 
fain have been filled with the husks that the swine did eat : 
and no man gave unto him. 

But when he came to himself he said. How many hired 
servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, 
and I perish here with hunger ! I will arise and go to my 
father, and will say imto him. Father, I have sinned against 
heaven, and in thy sight: I am no more worthy to be 
called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. 

And he arose, and came to his father. But while he was 
yet afar off, his father saw him, and was moved with com- 
passion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. And 
the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, 
and in thy sight : I am no more worthy to be called thy son. 
But the father said to his servants, Bring forth quickly the 
best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, 



70 ETHICAL READINGS 

and shoes on his feet: and bring the fatted calf, and kill 
it; and let us eat; and make merry: for this my son was 
dead; and is alive again; he was lost; and is found. And 
they began to be merry. 

Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and 
drew nigh to the house; he heard music and dancing. And 
he called to him one of the servants; and inquired what 
these things might be. And he said unto him; Thy brother 
is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf; because 
he hath received him safe and sound. But he was angry, 
and would not go in: and his father came out; and entreated 
him. But he answered and said to his father; Lo; these 
many years do I serve thee, and I never transgressed a 
comimandment of thine; and yet thou never gavest me a 
kid; that I might make merry with my friends: but when 
this thy son camC; who hath devoured thy living with har- 
lotS; thou killedst for him the fatted calf. And he said 
unto him; SoU; thou art ever with me, and all that is mine 
is thine. But it was meet to make merry and be glad: 
for this thy brother was dead; and is ahve again; and was 
lost; and is foimd. 



PARABLES AND STORIES 71. 

The Marriage Feast 

When thou art bidden of any man to a marriage feast, 
sit not down in the chief seat; lest haply a more honor- 
able man than thou be bidden of him, and he that bade 
thee and him shall come and say to thee. Give this man 
place; and then thou shalt begin with shame to take the 
lowest place. 

But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest 
place; that when he that hath bidden thee cometh, he may 
say to thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have 
glory in the presence of all that sit at meat with thee. For 
every one that exalteth himself shall be humbled; and he 
that humbleth himself shall be exalted. 

The People Who Make Excuses 

A certain man made a great supper; and he bade many: 
and he sent forth his servant at supper time to say to them 
that were bidden. Come; for all things are now ready. 

And they all with one consent began to make excuse. 
The first said imto him, I have bought a field, and I must 
needs go out and see it; I pray thee have me excused. 
And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I 
go to prove them; I pray thee have me excused. And an- 
other said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot 
come. 

And the servant came, and told his lord these things. 



72 ETHICAL READINGS 

Then the master of the house being angry said to his ser- 
vant; Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, 
and bring in hither the poor and maimed and blind and 
lame. And the servant said; Lord; what thou didst com- 
mand is done, and yet there is room. And the lord said 
unto the servant. Go out into the highways and hedges, 
and constrain them to come in, that my house may be filled. 
For I say imto you, that none of those men that were bid- 
den shall taste of my supper. 

Counting the Cost 

Which of you, desiring to build a tower, doth not first 
sit down and coxmt the cost, whether he have wherewith to 
complete it? Lest haply, when he hath laid a foimdation, 
and is not able to finish, all that behold begin to mock him, 
sajdng. This man began to build, and was not able to 
finish. 



PRAYERS 

Prayers of Thanksgiving 
Bless the Lord, my soul; 
And all that is within me, bless his holy name. 
Bless the Lord, my soul. 
And forget not all his benefits. 

I will give thee thanks with my whole heart. 
In the day that I called thou answeredst me, 
Thou didst encourage me with strength in my soul. 
Thy lovingkindnesS; Lord, endureth forever; 
Forsake not the works of thine own hands. 

I will bless the Lord, who hath given me counsel; 
Yea, my heart instruct eth me in the night seasons. 
I have set the Lord always before me: 
Because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. 
Therefore my heart is glad. 
Thou wilt show me the path of life : 
In thy presence is fulness of joy. 

Oh how great is thy goodness, 
Which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee. 
Which thou hast wrought for them that take refuge in thee. 

Blessed be the Loi'd, 
For he hath showed me his marvellous lovingkindness. 

73 



74 ETHICAL READINGS 

Phayers for Guidance 

Teach me to do thy wall; 
For thou art my God; 
Thy Spirit is good; 
Lead me in the land of uprightness. 

Lord; thou hast searched me, and known me. 
Thou knowest my doT\Tisitting and mine uprising; 
Thou understandest my thought afar off. 
Thou searchest out my path and my hing do\\TL; 
And art acquainted wdth all my ways. 
For there is not a word in my tongue^ 
But; lO; Lord; thou knowest it altogether. 
Thou hast beset me behind and before. 
And laid thy hand upon me. 
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; 
It is high; I cannot attain unto it. 

AMiither shall I go from thy Spirit ? 

Or whither shall I flee from thy presence ? 

If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: 

If I make my bed in Sheol; behold; thou art there. 

If I take the wmgs of the morning; 

And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; 

Even there shall thy hand lead me; 

And thy right hand shall hold me. 

If I say. Surely the darkness shall overwhelm me, 



PRAYERS 75 

And the light about me shall be nights- 
Even the darkness hideth not from thee. 
But the night shineth as the day: 
The darkness and the light are both alike to thee. 
When I awake, I am still with thee. 

Search me, God; and know my heart: 
Try me, and know my thoughts; 
And see if there be any wicked way in me. 
And lead me in the way everlasting. 

Show me thy ways, Lord; 
Teach me thy paths. 
Guide me in thy truth, and teach me. 

Teach me thy way, Lord; 
I will walk in thy truth. 

Examine me, Lord, and prove me; 
Try my heart and my mind. 

Teach me thy way, Lord, 
And lead me in a plain path. 

send out thy light and thy truth; 
Let them lead me. 

God be merciful unto us, and bless us, 
And cause his face to shine upon us. 



76 ETHICAL READINGS 

Prayer for Right Words 

Set a watch; Lord, before my mouth; 
Keep the door of my Kps. 

Prayer for Forgiveness 
Have mercy upon me, God, according to thy loving- 
kindness : 
According to the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out 

my transgressions. 
Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, 
And cleanse me from my sin. 
Create in me a clean heart, God: 
And renew a right spirit within me. 

Prayers in Times of Distress 

Give ear to my prayer, God; 
And hide not thyself from my supplication. 
Attend unto me, and answer me: 
I am restless in my complaint and moan, 
My heart is sore pained within me. 

And I said. Oh that I had wings like a dove ! 
Then would I fly away and be at rest. 
Lo, then would I wander far off, 
I would lodge in the wilderness. 
I would haste me to a shelter 
From the stormy wind and tempest. 



PRAYERS 77 

Save me; God; 
For the waters are come in mito my soul. 
I sink in deep mire, where there is no standing: 
I am come into deep waters, where the floods overflow me. 
God; thou knowest my foolishness; 
And my sins are not hid from thee. 
Deliver me out of the mire, and let me not sink: 
Let me be delivered from them that hate me, and out of 
the deep waters. 

Hear my cry; God; 
Attend unto my prayer. 
From the end of the earth will I call unto thee, when my 

heart is overwhelmed: 
Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. 
For thou hast been a refuge for me, 
A strong tower from the enemy. 

God is our refuge and strength, 
A very present help in trouble. 

Prayers of Trust 

In peace will I both lay me down and sleep; 
For thou, Lord, alone makest me dwell in safety. 

With God is my salvation and my glory: 
The rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. 
Trust in him at all timeS; ye people; 



78 ETHICAL READINGS 

Pour out your heart before him: 
God is a refuge for us. 

Prayer of Humility 
Lord; my heart is not haughty ^ nor mine eyes lofty; 
Neither do I exercise myself in great matters. 
Or in things too wonderful for me. 
Surely I have stilled and quieted my soul. 

Prayer for a Ruler 
May he judge thy people in righteousness. 
And thine afflicted ones with justice. 
May the mountains bear peace to the people, 
And the hills bring forth righteousness. 
May he vindicate the afflicted among the people, 
May he help the sons of the needy. 
May he fear thee while the sun endureth, 
As long as the moon shineth, even forever. 
May he descend like rain upon the mown grass, 
Like rain drops that water the earth. 
May righteousness flourish in his days, 
And abimdant peace until the moon be no more.* 

* Kent's translation in "The Songs, Hymns, and Prayers of the Old Testa- 
ment/' 



PRAYERS 79 

A Prayer for Every Day 

Our Father who art in heaven, 
Hallowed be thy name. 
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, in earth as it is in 

heaven. 
Give us this day our daily bread; 
And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. 
Lead us not into temptation, 
But deliver us from evil. 
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, 

forever. Amen. 

AN ANCIENT BENEDICTION 

The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: 
The Lord make his face to shine upon thee, and be 

gracious unto thee: 
The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and 

give thee peace. 



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